U.S. patent application number 13/494816 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for drip chamber.
This patent application is currently assigned to CareFusion 303, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Dwaine Butterfield. Invention is credited to Robert Dwaine Butterfield.
Application Number | 20130331811 13/494816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49715878 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130331811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Butterfield; Robert Dwaine |
December 12, 2013 |
DRIP CHAMBER
Abstract
A device for managing fluid is provided. The device includes: a
drip chamber including: an inlet; and outlet; a check valve
positioned between the inlet and the outlet, the check valve
configured for managing fluid flowing between the inlet and the
outlet; and an elastic element. The combination of the check valve
and the elastic element limits the extent to which the one way
valve may be opened by brief transient pressures appearing at the
outlet of the drip chamber. This limiting effect improves the
accuracy of fluid delivery in setups such as `piggyback` or
Secondary Mode infusions of two fluids using a single pump.
Inventors: |
Butterfield; Robert Dwaine;
(Poway, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Butterfield; Robert Dwaine |
Poway |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CareFusion 303, Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
49715878 |
Appl. No.: |
13/494816 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/500 ;
29/890.09; 604/151; 604/247 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2039/2466 20130101;
A61M 2039/2413 20130101; A61M 5/142 20130101; Y10T 29/494 20150115;
A61M 5/1411 20130101; A61M 39/284 20130101; A61M 5/16804 20130101;
A61M 2039/2433 20130101; A61M 39/24 20130101; A61M 2207/00
20130101; A61M 39/227 20130101; A61M 2039/242 20130101; A61M 5/1408
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/500 ;
604/247; 604/151; 29/890.09 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/168 20060101
A61M005/168; B23P 17/04 20060101 B23P017/04 |
Claims
1. A drip chamber comprising: a first end comprising an inlet; a
second end comprising an outlet; a spike integrally coupled with
said first end; a drip forming orifice coupled with said spike; a
check valve disposed between and coupled with said spike and said
drip forming orifice, said check valve configured for managing
fluid flowing between said inlet and said outlet through an
interior flow passage extending at least through said spike, said
drip forming orifice and said check valve; and an enclosing wall
coupling said first end with said second end, said enclosing wall
housing within at least said spike, said check valve and said drip
forming orifice.
2. The drip chamber of claim 1, further comprising: a pressure
damping elastic component comprising: an air holding portion of
said drip chamber, said air holding portion configured for holding
air; and at least a portion of said enclosing wall having an
elasticity, wherein said air holding portion and said at least a
portion of said enclosing wall having an elasticity are configured
for damping a pressure pulse from an infusion pump, said infusion
pump being fluidly coupled with said drip chamber.
3. The drip chamber of claim 1, further comprising: a pressure
damper configured for shielding said check valve from a negative
transient pressure, said pressure damper comprising: a flow
resistance channel configured for providing a hydraulic resistance
to a first fluid flowing in a first direction from said outlet to
said inlet; and a pressure damping elastic component comprising: an
air holding portion of said drip chamber, said air holding portion
configured for holding air; and at least a portion of said
enclosing wall having an elasticity, wherein said air holding
portion and said at least a portion of said enclosing wall having
an elasticity are configured for damping a pressure pulse from an
infusion pump, said infusion pump being fluidly coupled with said
drip chamber.
4. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein said check valve is a
one-way check valve configured for allowing a second fluid to flow
in a second direction within said interior flow passage and
stopping a first fluid from flowing in a first direction within
said interior flow passage, wherein said first direction is
opposite said second direction.
5. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein said drip forming orifice
comprises: a flow resistance channel configured for providing a
hydraulic resistance to a first fluid flowing from said outlet to
said inlet.
6. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein said check valve comprises:
a bypass mechanism configured for opening said check valve in
response to receiving an opening trigger, thereby releasing a first
fluid flowing in a first direction through said check valve from
said outlet to said inlet.
7. The drip chamber of claim 6, wherein said opening trigger is a
threshold pressure of said first fluid flowing from said outlet to
said inlet.
8. The drip chamber of claim 6, wherein said opening trigger is a
threshold force applied against said check valve, thereby deforming
said check valve from a first shape to a second shape.
9. A method for controlling a flow of fluid within a flow control
system, said method comprising: receiving a fluid flow, said
receiving occurring at a drip forming orifice of a drip chamber,
said fluid flow occurring at a first rate in a first direction;
resisting said fluid flow by said drip forming orifice; and
stopping said fluid flow by a check valve, said check valve coupled
with and positioned between a spike and a drip forming orifice,
said spike being integrally coupled with a first end of said drip
chamber.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: damping at least a
portion of an effect of a pressure pulse formed by an infusion
pump, said infusion pump being fluidly coupled with said drip
chamber, said damping comprising at least one of: in response to
receiving said pressure pulse from said infusion pump, elastically
expanding at an air holding portion and at least a portion of an
enclosing wall of said drip chamber; and in response to receiving
said pressure pulse from said infusion pump, providing a hydraulic
resistance to said fluid flow from an outlet of a second end of
said drip chamber to an inlet of a first end of said drip
chamber.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: damping at least a
portion of an effect of a pressure pulse formed by an infusion
pump, said infusion pump being fluidly coupled with said drip
chamber via a tubing, wherein said tubing elastically expands in
response to receiving said pressure pulse from said infusion pump
and provides a resistance within to movement of said fluid flow
there through.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: releasing a volume
of fluid that is stopped at said check valve, said releasing
comprising: receiving a check valve opening trigger; and in
response to said receiving said check valve opening trigger,
opening said check valve.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said receiving said check valve
opening trigger comprises: receiving a threshold pressure applied
by said fluid flow in said first direction.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said receiving said check valve
opening trigger comprises: receiving a threshold force applied
against said check valve, said threshold force deforming said check
valve from a first shape to a second shape.
15. A method for manufacturing a drip chamber, said method
comprising: providing a spike integrally coupled with an enclosing
wall of said drip chamber; providing a drip forming orifice; and
coupling a check valve with and between said spike and said drip
forming orifice, wherein said enclosing wall comprises an inlet and
an outlet and encloses at least said spike, said check valve, said
drip forming orifice and an interior flow passage that extends
through said spike, said check valve and said drip forming orifice
and between said inlet and outlet.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: integrally coupling
a pressure damping elastic component with said enclosing wall, said
pressure damping elastic component comprising: an air holding
portion of said drip chamber, said air holding portion configured
for holding air; and at least a portion of said enclosing wall of
said drip chamber, wherein said at least a portion of said
enclosing wall has an elasticity, wherein said air holding portion
and said at least a portion of said enclosing wall that has said
elasticity are configured for damping a pressure pulse from an
infusion pump, said infusion pump being fluidly coupled with said
drip chamber.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: coupling a pressure
damper with said check valve, said pressure damper configured for
shielding said check valve from a negative transient pressure, said
pressure damper comprising: a flow resistance channel configured
for providing a hydraulic resistance to a first fluid flowing in a
first direction from said outlet to said inlet; and a pressure
damping elastic component integrally coupled with said enclosing
wall, said pressure damping elastic component comprising: an air
holding portion of said drip chamber, said air holding portion
configured for holding air; and at least a portion of said
enclosing wall of said drip chamber that has an elasticity, wherein
said air holding portion and said at least a portion of said
enclosing wall that has an elasticity are configured for damping a
pressure pulse from an infusion pump, said infusion pump being
fluidly coupled with said drip chamber.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling said check valve with
and between said spike and said drip forming orifice comprises:
coupling a one-way check valve configured for allowing a second
fluid to flow in a second direction and stopping a first fluid from
flowing in a first direction, wherein said first direction is
opposite said second direction.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein said providing said drip
forming orifice comprises: providing said drip forming orifice,
wherein said drip forming orifice comprises: a flow resistance
channel configured for providing a hydraulic resistance to a first
fluid flowing in a first direction from said outlet to said
inlet.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein said coupling said check valve
with and between said spike and said drip forming orifice
comprises: coupling said check valve with and between said spike
and said drip forming orifice, wherein said check valve comprises:
a bypass mechanism configured for opening said check valve in
response to receiving an opening trigger, thereby releasing a first
fluid flowing through said check valve from said outlet to said
inlet.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said opening trigger comprises:
a threshold pressure of said first fluid flowing from said outlet
to said inlet.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said opening trigger comprises:
a threshold force applied against said check valve, thereby
deforming said check valve from a first shape to a second
shape.
23. A device for managing fluid, said device comprising: a drip
chamber comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and a check valve
positioned between said inlet and said outlet, said check valve
configured for managing fluid flowing between said inlet and said
outlet.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the drip chamber further
comprises: a flow resistance channel configured for providing a
hydraulic resistance to a first fluid flowing from said outlet to
said inlet.
25. The device of claim 23, further comprising: an enclosing wall
coupling a first end with a second end of said device, said
enclosing wall housing within at least a spike, said check valve
and a drip forming orifice.
26. The device of claim 25, further comprising: a pressure damping
elastic component comprising: an air holding portion of said drip
chamber, said air holding portion configured for holding air; and
at least a portion of said enclosing wall having an elasticity,
wherein said air holding portion and said at least a portion of
said enclosing wall having an elasticity are configured for damping
a pressure pulse from an infusion pump, said infusion pump being
fluidly coupled with said drip chamber.
27. The device of claim 25, further comprising: a pressure damper
configured for shielding said check valve from a negative transient
pressure, said pressure damper comprising: a flow resistance
channel, said flow resistance channel configured for providing a
hydraulic resistance to a first fluid flowing in a first direction
from said outlet to said inlet; and a pressure damping elastic
component comprising: an air holding portion of said drip chamber,
said air holding portion configured for holding air; and at least a
portion of said enclosing wall having an elasticity, wherein said
air holding portion and said at least a portion of said enclosing
wall having an elasticity are configured for damping a pressure
pulse from an infusion pump, said infusion pump being fluidly
coupled with said drip chamber.
28. The device of claim 23, wherein said check valve is a one-way
check valve configured for allowing a second fluid to flow in a
second direction within an interior flow passage of said device and
stopping a first fluid from flowing in a first direction within
said interior flow passage, wherein said first direction is
opposite said second direction.
29. The device of claim 23, wherein said check valve comprises: a
bypass mechanism, said bypass mechanism configured for opening said
check valve in response to receiving an opening trigger, thereby
releasing a first fluid flowing in a first direction through said
check valve from said outlet to said inlet.
30. The device of claim 29, wherein said opening trigger is a
threshold pressure of said first fluid flowing from said outlet to
said inlet.
31. The device of claim 29, wherein said opening trigger is a
threshold force applied against said check valve, thereby deforming
said check valve from a first shape to a second shape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application, Ser.
No. ______ by Robert Dwaine Butterfield, filed on ______, entitled
"MANAGING A FLUID FLOW," with attorney docket number
CAFU-IRS110010US1, and assigned to the assignee of the present
application. To the extent not repeated herein, the contents of
this related patent application are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application, Ser.
No. ______ by Robert Dwaine Butterfield, filed on ______, entitled
"FLUID MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR IMPROVED SECONDARY MODE IV DELIVERY,"
with attorney docket number CAFU-IRS110010US2, and assigned to the
assignee of the present application. To the extent not repeated
herein, the contents of this related patent application are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0003] Embodiments relate generally to the field of medical
infusion therapy. More particularly, embodiments relate to
intravenous therapy.
BACKGROUND
[0004] In general, intravenous therapy is used to administer
substances directly into a vein of a patient. Many tubing systems
used in administration of intravenous or parenteral therapy employ
a drip chamber. The drip chamber prevents air from entering the
blood stream, causing air embolism. The drip chamber also allows
for a flow rate of the administered substance to be estimated.
Further, the drip chamber offers a means to vent closed containers,
such as bottles, thereby permitting filtered air to replace the
fluid removed and thus avoiding the formation of a vacuum that
would inhibit flow. Some substances that may be infused
intravenously include volume expanders, blood-based products, blood
substitutes, buffer solutions and medications.
[0005] Typically, the traditional IV infusion setup includes a
pre-filled, sterile container (glass bottle, plastic bottle or
plastic bag) of fluid(s) with a tubular port that allows the
attachment of an IV set's drip chamber "spike". The IV set's drip
chamber includes: a drip chamber orifice that allows the fluid to
form drops of an approximate volume at slow flow rates, making it
easy to see the flow rate (and also to avoid the entrainment of air
bubbles in the tubing); a long sterile tube with a variable
restriction clamp to regulate or stop the flow of fluids; a
connector to attach to the vascular access device (VAD); connectors
and a one-way check valve to allow "piggybacking" (Secondary mode
infusion setup) of another infusion set onto the same line, e.g.,
for adding a dose of antibiotics to a continuous fluid drip.
Further, the addition of an infusion pump to the IV infusion setup
allows for control over the flow rate and total fluid volume
delivered to a patient.
[0006] In certain cases, where a change in flow rate and a total
volume delivered would not have serious consequences, flow is
produced by elevating the container above the patient and employing
gravity pressure in concert with manual adjustment of a clamp and
visual monitoring of the rate of drop formation in the drip chamber
to regulate the flow rate. Limitations exist with regards the
administration of multiple substances using such a gravity mode
intravenous therapy setup.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is an example of a traditional Secondary mode
infusion setup.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example Secondary mode infusion setup,
including a drip chamber, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the example drip
chamber of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the example drip
chamber of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an example method for
managing a flow of fluid within a flow control system, in
accordance an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an example method for
manufacturing a drip chamber, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows an example flow control system, in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 8A shows an example device, a tubing clamp coupled with
a vacuum activated catch, the tubing clamp being in the closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8B shows an example device, a tubing clamp coupled with
a vacuum activated catch, the tubing clamp being in the open
position, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows an example flow control system, in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of an example method for
manufacturing a device, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an example flow control
system, including an example drip chamber, in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0019] The drawings referred to in this description should not be
understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with
these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended
to limit the subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary,
the subject matter described herein is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope. Furthermore, in the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However,
some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known structures and components have not
been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of
the subject matter.
Section One: Pressure Wave Damping Drip Chamber
Overview of Discussion
[0021] Herein, various embodiments of a drip chamber, a fluid
control system and methods for controlling the flow of fluid are
described. The description begins with a brief general discussion
of a traditional flow control system and drip chamber. This general
discussion provides a framework of understanding for more
particularized descriptions of features and concepts of operation
associated with one or more embodiments of the described fluid
control technology.
Flow Control Systems with Respect to Drip Chambers
[0022] As discussed herein, traditional flow control systems are
used to apply intravenous or intravascular (IV) therapy. IV therapy
is the administration of substances directly into a vascular system
of a patient. Many systems of administration of IV therapy use a
"drip chamber". The drip chamber, in general, prevents air from
entering the IV tubing and ultimately the blood stream (causing air
embolism) and allows for an estimate of a flow rate of the
medication administered.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of a traditional
Secondary mode infusion setup 100 is shown. Traditional Secondary
mode infusion setup 100 includes a Primary container 104 coupled
with a Primary drip chamber 108, and a Secondary container 136
(positioned at a location higher than the Primary container 104)
coupled with a Secondary drip chamber 132. The Primary container
hangs from the hanger 102, while the Secondary container 136 hangs
from the same line 138 from which the hanger 102 is attached. The
Primary drip chamber 108 is coupled with a Primary fluid line 112,
wherein the Primary fluid line 112 runs to a pump 120. In between
the Primary drip chamber 108 and the pump 120, a check valve 116 is
coupled with the Primary fluid line 112. Further, the Secondary
drip chamber 132 is coupled with a Secondary fluid line 128,
wherein the Secondary fluid line 128 also runs to the pump 120. In
between the Secondary drip chamber 132 and the pump 120, a male
luer 126 and needle-free valve connection 124 is coupled with the
Secondary fluid line 128. On the downstream side, or patient-side
portion, of the administration set of the pump 120 is a vascular
access device (aka catheter, e.g. IV fluid line 122) or
interconnecting plumbing such as an extension set or a needlefree
valve.
[0024] When the Secondary fluid level 135 in the Secondary
container 136 is at a level above the Primary fluid level 107, a
hydrostatic pressure differential is created across the check valve
116 causing it to close, thereby preventing flow of the Primary
fluid 106 from the Primary container 104 to the pump 120 and
significantly, preventing reverse flow of the Secondary fluid 134
into the Primary container 104. However, when the Secondary fluid
level 135 decreases as fluid is withdrawn and/or if the Secondary
container 136 is lowered such that the Secondary fluid level 134 is
at about the same height as the Primary fluid level 107, the
pressures directed at the inlet 114 and the outlet 118 of the check
valve 116 approach equilibrium. Ideally, when the Primary side
pressure on the check valve 116 becomes just slightly greater than
the Secondary side pressure on the check valve 116, the pump 120
will draw fluid solely from the Primary container 104.
[0025] Even if the Secondary fluid level 135 is higher than the
Primary fluid level 107, if the pump flow rate is in the range of
250 to 1000 milliliters per hour, there may be pressure loss
through a restriction in the flow path of the Secondary container
136, such as due to the connection between the male luer 126 and
the needle-free valve connection 124. Flow through a restriction
(Of note, there may be multiple restrictive elements such as a vent
in the drip chamber which has become wetted, thereby increasing its
resistance to flow.) causes a pressure loss, thereby reducing the
pressure applied on the check valve 116 from the Secondary side.
When there is just a slightly positive pressure across the check
valve 116 from the Primary side, the check valve 116 will open,
thereby allowing flow from the Primary container 104 to occur
intermittently with each pulse of flow aspirated by the pump. Thus,
there may be concurrent flow from both the Primary and Secondary
containers, 104 and 136, respectively, in some varying proportion
dependent on the flow rate, the restriction and the degree of
pulsatility of the pump's intake flow pattern.
[0026] When the Secondary fluid level 135 has lowered sufficiently
in the Secondary container 136, the pressure of the Primary fluid
106 will remain consistently slightly higher than the pressure of
the Secondary fluid 134. The check valve 116 is continuously open
allowing all the fluid to preferentially be drawn from the Primary
container 104, while the Secondary fluid level 135 in the Secondary
container 136 will remain fairly constant. Note that at this point,
since there is no flow coming from the Secondary container 136, no
pressure pulses are being produced via the Secondary restriction,
so the check valve 116 is held open by the differential pressure
between the Secondary container 136 and the Primary container 104,
only.
[0027] In the delivery of chemotherapy, clinicians frequently use
the traditional Secondary mode infusion setup 100. This is in part
owing to its convenience and safety in the handling and transport
of the medication and is in part due to the frequent need to infuse
pre and post medication fluids via the same IV catheter. While
using the traditional Secondary mode infusion setup 100 within an
oncology framework, several issues and problems become apparent.
Firstly, larger and taller bags and bottles (containers) are used
to hold a large volume of medication. Secondly, much higher flow
rates than the traditional Secondary mode infusion setup 100 was
originally designed for are used. Thirdly, the use of some
needle-less (a.k.a. needle-free) valve connectors may present
somewhat higher flow restrictions in the Secondary pathway than the
large bore metal needle/rubber port used when the traditional
Secondary mode infusion setup 100 was developed. Fourthly, the
length of hangers for lowering the Primary container 104 may not be
adequate to lower the Primary container sufficiently to assure
adequate pressure differential in these demanding applications.
[0028] As the Secondary fluid 134 finishes delivery, the taller
Secondary container(s) 136 together with inadequate hanger length
means that the elevation of the Secondary fluid 134 relative to the
Primary fluid level 107 will be lower than with smaller Secondary
container(s). Without an adequate pressure difference of the
Secondary side over the Primary side, the Primary fluid 106 can
begin flowing prematurely before the Secondary fluid 134 is
completely delivered, due to the normal action of the check valve
116. This may result in delayed delivery completion of the
Secondary fluid 134, since for each drop of the Primary fluid 106
delivered, a drop of Secondary fluid 134 is NOT delivered. Thus,
some amount of the Primary fluid 106 replaces some amount of the
Secondary fluid 134 as its level lowers, thereby causing the
inadvertent delay in the delivery completion of the Secondary fluid
134. Further, the check valve 116 located along the Primary fluid
line 112 may transiently open prior to completion of the delivery
of Secondary fluid 134 due to pump-flow-induced transient drops in
pressure, thereby producing a condition of concurrent flow in
varying proportion from both the Primary and Secondary containers,
104 and 136, respectively.
[0029] The intake flow from pumps is not entirely steady. In fact,
in many pump designs, the pump 120 draws fluid in at several times
the mean outflow rate. When these rapid flows occur, they cause a
pressure loss through any restriction in the Secondary pathway such
as at a needle-free valve connection 124 or a blocked intake air
vent 140. These transient pressure drops allow the check valve 116
to open very briefly, and then close. Thus, even if there was a
suitable head height difference between the Secondary fluid level
135 and the Primary fluid level 107, there may still be inadequate
pressure within the Primary fluid line 112 to prevent inadvertent
partial flow from the Primary container 104 while fluid remains to
be delivered in the Secondary container 136. (In other words, and
briefly, the restriction of the Secondary fluid line 128 is too
high and the pulsation of the intake of the pump 120 is too abrupt,
causing the inadvertent partial flow from the Primary container 104
while fluid remains to be delivered in the Secondary container
136.) For oncology and other patients who similarly require a
particular volume of medication to be administered within a
precisely defined period of time, the delayed delivery completion
of the Secondary fluid 134 from the Secondary container 136 may
result in complications in scheduling subsequent therapy and other
clinical management difficulties for the hospital.
[0030] Embodiments incorporate a check valve placed uniquely within
a drip chamber of a Primary delivery set, thereby overcoming many
of the problems besetting the traditional infusion setup 100. In
one embodiment, the drip chamber is used with IV therapy. However,
while embodiments are described within the context of IV therapy,
it should be understood that the concepts described herein may be
applied to a device/integration within equipment other than for use
in IV therapy.
[0031] Embodiments allow for taller containers, higher flow rates,
Secondary path connections having less than ideal low resistance
and pumps having less than ideal smooth intake flow to be used
during IV therapy, while still preventing flow through the Primary
fluid line when the Secondary container is nearly empty (i.e.
substantially empty). As noted earlier, when elevations of Primary
and Secondary fluids are about equal, the check valve no longer is
held closed and thus allows the Primary fluid to flow (intended).
In practice, the Secondary level may have to be just a small amount
lower than the Primary fluid due to the design of some check valves
which requires a so called `cracking pressure` to open. This is
typically no more than one inch of water pressure (elevation).
Embodiments provide for no flow coming from the Secondary
container. If flow did come from the Secondary container, then the
reduced Secondary pressure would quickly reopen the check valve,
thereby drawing fluid totally from the Primary container. More
specifically, embodiments mitigate the effect of pressure pulses
that cause the check valve to open intermittently before the
Secondary fluid has been completely delivered.
[0032] Moreover, in one embodiment, by having a (one-way) check
valve placed above the drip forming orifice and the pocket of air
within the drip chamber (along with a controlled restriction in the
drip chamber orifice), wherein the walls of the drip chamber
provide a certain amount of elasticity, the likelihood that the
pressure pulses from the infusion pump would cause an unwanted
Primary fluid to replace desired Secondary fluid prior to the
delivery of the Secondary fluid is significantly reduced. By
placement of a check valve more remote (further upstream) from its
typical placement near the connecting port, the inherent elasticity
of the Primary tubing together with its own resistance therein to a
movement of fluid there through provide an additional source of
damping of the effects of the pressure wave of the infusion pump.
The walls of the drip chamber itself, along with the fluid
resistance and fluid inertance within the drip forming orifice,
damp the negative pressure created by the pressure pulses from the
infusion pump. By damping the negative pressure pulses created by
the infusion pump's intake flow pattern, the now steady reverse
pressure across the check valve prevents the Primary fluid from
moving through the check valve.
[0033] In one embodiment, the one-way check valve includes a bypass
mechanism. The bypass mechanism allows the one-way check valve, in
response to a signal, to open to allow Primary fluid to move
through the one-way check valve in a direction that is reverse to
the direction of the current fluid flow from the container. This
bypass mechanism enables practitioners to expel excess IV fluid
from the drip chamber back into the container by inverting the drip
chamber and gently squeezing it. This allows adjustment of the
amount of fluid in the drip chamber to permit visualization of
drops. It should be appreciated that alternate embodiments may
include "bypass" mechanisms, other than the bypass mechanism
described herein, that enable the release of fluid through a fluid
line. For example, but not limited to such, a channel parallel to
the check valve may be opened by a deformation of the fluid pathway
and/or by an activation of a lever (or similar device).
[0034] Thus, embodiments improve the accuracy of the Secondary Mode
delivery of substances by minimizing the unintended flow from a
Primary container while the Secondary fluid remains to be
delivered. For example, for time-critical Secondary applications,
such as chemotherapy, where flows are high (>300 ml/h), pressure
loss through the Secondary pathway is exacerbated by the pulsatile
intake flow of many pumps. Embodiments markedly minimize the
exposure of the check valve to these pulsatile pressures, thereby
reducing unintended check valve opening with attendant flow from
the Primary container prior to completion of the Secondary fluid
administration.
[0035] Additionally, embodiments reduce the cost of the Primary set
by integrating components and reducing labor during its
manufacture. Currently, one check valve is used in a significant
percentage of Primary sets built. Assembly of these check valves
into the finished delivery set adds steps and points for possible
failure. By integrating the check valve within the drip chamber,
manufacturing steps are eliminated, resources are saved and
reliability can be improved.
[0036] The following discussion will focus on example structures
and example operations, in accordance with embodiments. For clarity
and ease of explanation of an example first drip chamber 206A (of
FIG. 2), FIG. 2 shows a Secondary mode infusion setup 200
(hereinafter, "infusion setup 200"), in accordance with an
embodiment. The drip chamber 206B of FIG. 3 and the drip chamber
206C of FIG. 4 are enlarged views of first drip chamber 206A of
FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment. The infusion setup 200
shows the first container 204 (supported by hanger 202) and the
second container 230 hanging directly from the line 232. Further,
the first and second containers, 204 and 230, respectively, in
various embodiments, may be used in a device/integration within
equipment other than for use in IV therapy.
[0037] In one embodiment, the first container 204 is a Primary
container, the first fluid line 214 is a Primary fluid line, the
first fluid 234 is a Primary fluid, the second container 230 is a
Secondary container, the second drip chamber 228 is a Secondary
drip chamber, the second fluid line 224 is a Secondary fluid line,
the second fluid 236 is a Secondary fluid, the first fluid flow is
a Primary fluid flow, and the second fluid flow is a Secondary
fluid flow. Thus, the descriptions herein, with regards to FIGS.
1-6, using the terms "first" and "second" may be associated with
the delivery of Secondary medications (as is commonly known in the
art), in one embodiment.
[0038] The first drip chamber 206A is coupled with and between the
first container 204 and the infusion pump 216. The first fluid line
214 couples the first drip chamber 206A with the infusion pump 216.
The first drip chamber 206A includes a spike 208, a drip forming
orifice 212 (providing a controlled restriction or "fluid
resistance") and a check valve 210 coupled with and between the
spike 208 and the drip forming orifice 212.
[0039] As part of the infusion setup 200, a second drip chamber 228
is shown coupled with and between the second container 230 and the
infusion pump 216. Of note, the second drip chamber 228 does not
include all of the features of the first drip chamber 206A. The
second fluid line 224 couples the second drip chamber 228 with the
infusion pump 216. In one embodiment, attached to the second fluid
line 224, between the second drip chamber 228 and the infusion pump
216, are a roller clamp 226, a male luer 222 and a needle-free
valve connection 220. It should be appreciated that the roller
clamp 226, the male luer 222 and the needle-free valve connection
220 may be those that are commonly known in the art. A patient IV
fluid line 218 is coupled with the infusion pump 216 and transports
the fluid drawn from the first and/or second containers, 204 and
230, respectively, to the patient.
[0040] The drip chamber 206B is shown as a block diagram in FIG. 3,
in accordance with an embodiment. The drip chamber 206B is an
enlargement of the first drip chamber 206A of FIG. 2, the details
of which will be discussed herein. FIG. 4 shows a drip chamber
206C, a cross-sectional view of the first drip chamber 206A (FIG.
2) and drip chamber 206B (FIG. 3), in accordance with an
embodiment, the details of which will be discussed herein.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the drip chamber
206B includes: a first end 312; a second end 314; a spike 208; a
drip forming orifice 212 (providing a controlled restriction to
flow); a check valve 210; and an enclosing wall 318. The first end
312 includes an inlet 302. The second end 314 includes an outlet
316. The spike 208 is integrally coupled with the first end 312.
More specifically, the spike 208 is coupled with the rest of the
body of the drip chamber 206B such that the outer wall of the spike
208 is included as a portion of the "housing" of the drip chamber
206B at the first end 312.
[0042] In different embodiments, portions of the first end 312
include different components, and portions of the second end 314
include different components. For example, but not limited to such,
in one embodiment, the first end 312 of the drip chamber 206B
includes the spike 208 and the check valve 210. However, in another
embodiment, the first end 312 includes just the spike 208.
Similarly, the second end 314 of the drip chamber 206B includes the
outlet 316, the air holding portion 310 (discussed later) and the
drip forming orifice 212, in one embodiment. However, in another
embodiment, the second end 314 of the drip chamber 206B includes
the outlet 316, the air holding portion 310, the drip forming
orifice 212 and the check valve 210.
[0043] In one embodiment, the drip forming orifice 212 is coupled
with the spike 208, with the check valve 210 disposed there
between. An interior flow passage 328 runs through and between the
spike 208, check valve 210 and drip forming orifice 212 (which
also, in one embodiment, provides a path that includes a flow
restriction). The first end 306 of the interior flow passage 328 is
positioned at the inlet 302 of the drip chamber 206B. The second
end 322 of the interior flow passage 328 is positioned at the
intake side of the check valve 210. Connected to the outlet of the
check valve 210 is the lower section of the interior flow passage
328, which also connects to the drip forming orifice 212. Further,
the enclosing wall 318, which is coupled with the first end 312 and
the second end 314, houses within the spike 208, the check valve
210 and the drip forming orifice 212.
[0044] In one embodiment, the check valve 210 is a one-way check
valve. Again, of note, the check-valve is typically one-way by
design. The one-way check valve allows a fluid to flow in a second
direction 304 within the interior flow passage 328, while stopping
a fluid from flowing in a first direction 320 within the interior
flow passage 328. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one example,
the fluid flowing in the second direction 304 is the first fluid
234 from the first container 204, and the fluid attempting to flow
in the first direction 320 is the second fluid 236 from the second
container 230. The fluid flowing in the second direction 304 is
flowing in an opposite direction as the fluid attempting to flow in
the first direction 320. Thus, the check valve 210 allows the first
fluid 234 to flow down to the first fluid line 214 to the infusion
pump 216, while stopping any fluid from flowing up through the
check valve 210 and into the first container 204. This fluid that
is stopped may be the first fluid 234 itself that has already
traveled past the drip forming orifice 212, and/or it may be second
fluid 236 having been drawn into the drip chamber 206B.
[0045] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the
drip chamber 206B includes a pressure damping elastic component.
The pressure damping elastic component includes an air holding
portion 310 of the drip chamber 206B and at least a portion 308 of
the enclosing wall 318 that is elastic. It should be appreciated
that the at least a portion 308 of the enclosing wall 318 that is
elastic may be all of the enclosing wall 318, or a portion less
than an entirety of the enclosing wall 318. The air holding portion
310 of the drip chamber 206B holds air. The air holding portion 310
and the at least a portion 308 of the enclosing wall 318 that is
elastic include an elasticity that damps a pressure pulse from the
infusion pump 216. The infusion pump 216, as shown in FIG. 2, is
fluidly coupled with the drip chamber 2068. It should be noted that
the infusion pump 216 used with embodiments is an infusion pump
that is commonly known in the art to be used with IV therapy.
[0046] In one embodiment, the drip forming orifice 212 includes a
flow resistance channel 324. The flow resistance channel 324
provides a hydraulic resistance to a fluid flowing from the outlet
316 to the inlet 302. The term, "hydraulic resistance", refers to
the resistance to the movement of fluid through an area. For
example, the flow resistance channel 324 resists the movement of
fluid through the drip forming orifice 212 from the infusion pump
216 side. This hydraulic resistance interacts with the pressure
damping elastic component (the air holding portion 310 and the
portion 308 of the enclosing wall 318 that is elastic) to form a
"damper" which attenuates pressure pulses originating downstream in
the second fluid line 224 due to the infusion pump's 216 intake
flow through a restriction in the second fluid line 224. Thus, the
air holding portion 310 and the portion 308 of the enclosing wall
318 that is elastic (i.e., the pressure damping elastic component
described herein) contribute additively to the total compliance of
the drip chamber. That compliance, in turn, interacts with the flow
resistance channel 324 to form what is called the `damping`
effect.
[0047] In one embodiment, the drip chamber 206B includes a pressure
damper that shields the check valve 210 from a negative transient
pressure. The negative transient pressure is that pressure caused
by the pulsating pump, thereby drawing fluid towards the infusion
pump 216 through any resistance in the fluid pathway (e.g.,
Secondary fluid pathway). If the check valve 210 were to receive
the full effects of the pressure caused by the infusion pump 216
that is pulsating, the check valve 210 would open transiently,
thereby allowing bursts of fluid to rapidly drip through the drip
forming orifice 212 and ultimately through the drip chamber
206B.
[0048] The pressure damper includes the combination of the flow
resistance channel 324 and the pressure damping elastic component
described herein. The net damping effect, as measured by the
highest frequency which is passed without attenuation, is inversely
proportional to the product of the resistance and the compliance of
the pressure damping elastic component (including the air holding
portion 310 and the at least a portion 308 of the enclosing wall
318 having an elasticity). Thus, it is the two aspects working
together that result in the effective damping of unwanted pressure
waves. Additionally, aggressively increasing at least one of the
following serves to attenuate pulses that originate in the infusion
pump flow passing through the restriction of the Secondary pathway:
the resistance to the movement of fluid through an area; and the
compliance of the air holding portion 310 and the enclosing wall
318 having an elasticity.
[0049] Therefore, the damping provided by the flow resistance
channel 324 together with the pressure damping elastic component,
including elastic elements therein, protects the check valve 210
from exposure to negative-going transient pressure which could
cause the check valve 210 to temporarily and prematurely open. This
premature and intermittent opening may cause the unintended partial
flow of the first fluid 234 while the second fluid 236 remains to
be delivered.
[0050] Under some circumstances, there may be excess fluid in a
drip chamber. This reduces both the ability of the clinician to
visualize drops for monitoring, as well as reduces the elasticity,
described above, that is useful in damping unwanted pressure waves.
In one embodiment, the check valve 210 of the drip chamber 206B
includes a bypass mechanism 326. The bypass mechanism 326 opens the
check valve 210 in response to receiving an opening trigger,
thereby releasing a fluid flowing in the first direction 320
through the check valve 210 from the outlet 316 to the inlet 302.
In one embodiment, the opening trigger is a threshold pressure of
the fluid flowing in the first direction 320 from the outlet 316 to
the inlet 302. The threshold pressure refers to that pressure which
is needed to cause a portion of the check valve 210 to open to let
the fluid flow through. In one embodiment, the threshold pressure
needed would be between 4 and 8 psi. For example, the threshold
pressure may be provided by the nurse's fingers squeezing the body
of the first drip chamber 206A to remove excess fluid out of the
first drip chamber 206A and restore the normal amount of air. Of
note, the first drip chamber 206A and bag must be inverted so that
when the wall of the first drip chamber 206A is released from
squeezing, it will draw air, and not fluid, from the bag.
[0051] In another embodiment, the opening trigger is a threshold
force applied against the check valve 210, thereby causing the
check valve 210 to deform from a first shape to a second shape. For
example, a practitioner may deform the housing or activate an
attached element that would trigger the bypass mechanism 326 to
cause the check valve 210 to open to allow the fluid to flow there
through. In one embodiment, the bypass mechanism 326 is a
deformation characteristic of a component within the check valve
210 that changes shape, such as the shape of a bell curve that
faces one direction to the shape of a bell curve that faces an
opposite direction. The shape change leaves an opening within the
interior flow passage 328 that allows for fluid to flow there
through.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 4, an example drip chamber 206C is
shown, including: a check valve 210 coupled with and between a
spike 208 and a drip forming orifice 212. The spike 208 includes at
least a portion of the interior flow passage 328 and an air
passageway 412. In another embodiment, the spike 208 includes the
interior flow passage 328 without the air passageway 412. For
example, a drip chamber may not have a vent path, such as with bags
whose walls collapse as the fluid is withdrawn, thus not requiring
a path for replacement air to enter. The inlet 302 is at one end of
the interior flow passage 328. An enlarged view 410 of the check
valve 210 is also shown. It can be seen that the fluid flows
through the portion of the interior flow passage 328 of the check
valve 210, thereby flowing around an obstruction 408 in the middle
of the check valve 210. It should be noted that a check valve that
is known in the art may be used as part of some embodiments
described herein. In one embodiment, the check valve includes the
bypass mechanism 326, as described herein.
[0053] FIG. 4 also shows a drip forming orifice 212, along with a
drip 402 of fluid falling from an end of the drip forming orifice
212. Further, the enclosing wall 318 couples with the first and
second end, 312 and 314, respectively, of the drip chamber 206C,
and houses within the spike 208, check valve 210 and drip forming
orifice 212. Also shown is the pressure damping elastic component
406 that includes the air holding portion 310 and at least the
portion 308 of the enclosing wall 318 that includes an elasticity.
The fluid drips into the air holding portion 310 to form a volume
of fluid 404. A portion of that volume of fluid 404 may then
continue moving through components (such as the first fluid line
214, the infusion pump 216 and the patient IV fluid line 218)
coupled with the drip chamber 206C to reach the patient.
[0054] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a device for managing
fluid flow may be described, according to one embodiment. The
device includes: a drip chamber 206B. The drip chamber 206B of the
device includes, in one embodiment: an inlet 302; an outlet 316;
and a check valve 210 positioned between the inlet 302 and the
outlet 316. The check valve 210 manages fluid flowing between the
inlet 302 and the outlet 316. In one embodiment, the drip chamber
206B further includes the flow resistance channel 324.
[0055] The example device further includes, in one embodiment, the
enclosing wall 318 that couples the first end 312 with the second
end 314. The enclosing wall 318 houses within at least the spike
208, the check valve 210 and the drip forming orifice 212. An
additional embodiment of the device includes the pressure damping
elastic component described herein. In yet another example
embodiment, the device includes the pressure damper described
herein.
[0056] In one example device, the check valve is the one-way check
valve described herein. Further, in yet another embodiment, the
one-way check valve includes the bypass mechanism described
herein.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 500 for
managing a flow of fluid within a flow control system, in
accordance with embodiments.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, at 505 and as described herein,
in one embodiment, the method 500 includes receiving 505 a fluid
flow, the receiving occurring at a drip forming orifice 212 of a
drip chamber 206C. The fluid flow occurs at a first rate in a first
direction 320. At 510 and as described herein, in one embodiment,
the drip forming orifice 212 resists the fluid flow. At 515 and as
described herein, in one embodiment, the check valve 210 stops the
fluid flow. The check valve 210 is coupled with and positioned
between the spike 208 and the drip forming orifice 212. The spike
208 is integrally coupled with the first end 312 of the drip
chamber 206C.
[0059] At 520 and as described herein, in one embodiment at least a
portion 308 of an effect of a pressure pulse formed by the infusion
pump 216 is damped. The infusion pump 216 is fluidly coupled with
the drip chamber 206C. The damping 520 includes at least one of: in
response to receiving the pressure pulse from the infusion pump
216, elastically expanding an air holding portion 310 and at least
a portion 308 of the enclosing wall 318 of the drip chamber 206C;
and in response to receiving the pressure pulses from the infusion
pump 216, providing a hydraulic resistance to the fluid flow from
an outlet of a second end of the drip chamber 206C to an inlet of a
first end of the drip chamber 206C. Of note and as described
herein, in one embodiment, the damping is produced not just by the
pressure damping elastic component 406 and not just by the flow
resistance channel 324, but rather by the combined effect of the
pressure damping elastic component 406 and the flow resistance
channel 324.
[0060] At 525 and as described herein, in one embodiment at least a
portion 308 of an effect of a pressure pulse formed by the infusion
pump 216 is damped. The infusion pump 216 is fluidly coupled with
the drip chamber 206C via a tubing. The tubing elastically expands
in response to the receiving of the pressure pulse from the
infusion pump and provides a resistance within to the movement of
the fluid there through.
[0061] At 530 and as described herein, in one embodiment a volume
of fluid 404 that is stopped at the check valve 210 is released.
The releasing of this volume of fluid 404 includes: receiving a
check valve opening trigger; and in response to the receiving of
the check valve opening trigger, opening the check valve 210. In
one embodiment, the receiving of the check valve opening trigger
includes the receiving of a threshold pressure that is applied by a
fluid flowing in a first direction 320. In another embodiment, the
receiving of the check valve opening trigger includes the receiving
of a threshold force applied against the check valve 210, wherein
the threshold force applied against the check valve 210 deforms the
check valve 210 from a first shape to a second shape.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for manufacturing a
drip chamber, such as drip chamber 206C of FIG. 4, in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 and 6, at 605 and as described
herein, in one embodiment, the method 600 includes providing 605 a
spike 208 integrally coupled with an enclosing wall 318 of the drip
chamber 206C. At 610 and as described herein, in one embodiment,
the drip forming orifice 212 is provided. At 615 and as described
herein, in one embodiment, the check valve 210 is coupled with and
between the spike 208 and the drip forming orifice 212. In one
embodiment and as described herein, the check valve 210 is a
one-way check valve. In another embodiment and as described herein,
the check valve 210 includes the bypass mechanism 326.
[0064] Further, and as described herein, in one embodiment, the
enclosing wall 318 is integrally coupled with the spike 208. The
enclosing wall 318 includes an inlet 302 and an outlet 316 and
encloses at least the spike 208, the check valve 210, the drip
forming orifice 212 and the interior flow passage 328 (that extends
through the spike 208, the check valve 210 and the drip forming
orifice 212 as well as between the inlet 302 and the outlet
316).
[0065] At 620 and as described herein, in one embodiment, the
pressure damping elastic component 406 is integrally coupled with
the enclosing wall 318. The pressure damping elastic component 406
includes the air holding portion 310 of the drip chamber 206C and
at least a portion of the enclosing wall 318 of the drip chamber
206C that is elastic, as is described herein.
[0066] At 625 and as described herein, in one embodiment, the check
valve 210 is coupled with the pressure damper. The pressure damper
shields the check valve 210 from a negative transient pressure. The
pressure damper includes: the flow resistance channel 324 and the
pressure damping elastic component 406 that is described
herein.
Section Two: Vacuum Activated Catch for Managing a Fluid Flow
[0067] Herein, various embodiments of a device for controlling
fluid flow, a flow control system and a method of manufacturing the
device are described. The description begins with a continuation of
the brief general discussion, in Section One regarding the example
Drip Chamber above, of the traditional flow control system and
methods for delivery of Secondary medications. This general
discussion provides a framework of understanding for more
particularized descriptions of features and concepts of operation
associated with one or more embodiments of the described device and
flow control system.
Flow Control Systems with Respect to Managing Fluid Flow
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, traditional methods for delivery of
Secondary medications include employing the check valve 116 in the
Primary set while lowering the Primary container 104 with a hanger
102 to create a back pressure against the check valve 116, thus
keeping it closed until the Secondary fluid 134 has been delivered.
This requires, but does not always achieve, a very low flow
resistance in the Secondary pathway. When high flow rates are
involved and/or the resistance of the Secondary pathway is not
sufficiently low, or when there is insufficient elevation
difference between the Primary and Secondary fluids, 106 and 134,
respectively, some Primary fluid 106 will flow when only the
Secondary fluid 134 is intended to flow. This condition is referred
to as "sympathetic flow". This results in the delayed completion of
the Secondary fluid 134. In other words, the pressure lost through
excess resistance in the Secondary pathway effectively reduces the
pressure differential across the check valve 116. This allows
intermittent flow of the Primary fluid 106 to occur even though
there may still be significant fluid left in the Secondary
container 136.
[0069] The traditional use of the check valve together with
elevation differential has the following inherent weaknesses: it
requires the manual lowering of the Primary container 104;
uncertainty exists for the operator regarding the needed elevation
with regards to lowering the Primary container 104; the resistance
to the flow in the Secondary fluid line 128 may vary from setup to
setup and may cause unintended flow from the Primary container 104,
thereby delaying the completion of the delivery of the Secondary
fluid 134; air may be entrained when the Primary container 104 is
lowered below the Primary port entrance; and Primary infusion
setups used bear the cost of manufacturing the check valve 116,
even though only a small percentage of the Primary infusion setups
are used for Secondary delivery of medication (and thus use the
check valve 116).
[0070] In accordance with various embodiments, an example flow
control system includes a device for controlling fluid flow and a
sealable component which automatically stops flow once fluid in the
container is depleted (such as, but not limited to, a ball float
valve) positioned within a drip chamber. The device includes a
tubing clamp coupled with a vacuum activated catch. When the tubing
clamp is secured in a closed position by the vacuum activated
catch, a Primary fluid line is pinched closed. When the vacuum
activated catch releases the tubing clamp to an open position, the
first fluid line is also released into an open position. The vacuum
activated catch is also coupled with the Secondary container via a
Secondary fluid line. In between the Secondary container and the
vacuum activated catch is a check valve. This check valve prevents
reverse flow into the Secondary container when the tubing clamp is
open.
[0071] Further, in embodiments, there is no need for the Primary
container to be lowered, which simplifies the work of a caregiver,
thus removing a significant source of error.
[0072] The sealable component is coupled with the Secondary
container and stops the flow of the Secondary fluid when the
Secondary container empties to the drip chamber. When the sealable
component seals shut, thereby closing an interior flow passage
within the drip chamber, the pump's intake draws a vacuum in the
Secondary fluid pathway. This vacuum deforms a membrane in the
vacuum activated catch that is coupled with the Secondary fluid
line, which then releases and opens the tubing clamp, thereby
opening the Primary fluid line and allowing the Primary fluid flow
to commence there through.
[0073] Embodiments eliminate the need for a costly check valve to
be placed in every Primary infusion setup. Further, embodiments
help to ensure on-time Secondary delivery of fluids. Moreover, the
need for a hanger and/or to reposition containers is removed.
Additionally, the device may other forms of "vacuum activated"
clamps or valves, such as, but not limited to, using a lever arm to
minimize the force needed to lock and release the clamping of a
Primary fluid line.
[0074] The following discussion will focus on example structures
and operations of embodiments.
[0075] FIG. 7 shows a tubing clamp 706 coupled with a vacuum
activated catch 710, within a flow control system 700, in
accordance with an embodiment. In embodiments, the flow control
system 700 includes: a tubing clamp 706; a vacuum activated catch
710 retainably coupled with the tubing clamp 706 and a second fluid
line 714; a second drip chamber 724 coupled with and between the
second container 726 and the second fluid line 714; and an infusion
pump 728 coupled with the first and second fluid lines, 704 and
714, respectively. Additionally, in one embodiment, a one-way check
valve 729 is shown in the second tubing pathway. This one-way check
valve 729 prevents flow from the first container 702 when the
tubing clamp 706 is open. In one embodiment, the one-way check
valve 729 is incorporated within the design of the device 800A/800B
(of FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively), which includes the tubing clamp
706 and the vacuum activated catch 710. In another embodiment, the
one-way check valve 729 is a conventional component positioned
separately from the device 800A/800B.
[0076] In one embodiment, the first container 702 is a Primary
container, the first fluid line 704 is a Primary fluid line, the
first fluid 730 is a Primary fluid, the second container 726 is a
Secondary container, the second drip chamber 724 is a Secondary
drip chamber, the second fluid line 714 is a Secondary fluid line,
the second fluid 732 is a Secondary fluid, the first fluid level
734 is a Primary fluid level, the second fluid level 736 is a
Secondary fluid level, the first fluid flow is a Primary fluid
flow, and the second fluid flow is a Secondary fluid flow. Thus,
the descriptions herein, with regards to FIGS. 7-10, using the
terms "first" and "second" may be associated with the delivery of
Secondary medications, in one embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 8A shows a device 800A, including a tubing clamp 706
(of FIG. 2) coupled with a vacuum activated catch 710. Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8A, in one embodiment, the tubing clamp 706 includes a
first arm 816 and a second arm 804 that is coupled with the first
arm 816 via a connector 818. In one embodiment, the connector 818
is flexible. Thus, in one embodiment, the connector 818 and the
first arm 816 and second arm 804 to which it is attached are made
of one piece. In another embodiment, the combination of the first
arm 816 and the second arm 804 to which it is attached is made of
at least two pieces that are manufactured to appear to be a single
piece. In yet another embodiment, the connector 818 to which the
first arm 816 and the second arm 804 is attached is a hinge-like
component such that portions of the hinge-like component open and
close, thereby opening and closing the first arm 816 and the second
arm 804. In one example, connector 818 is an axle about which first
arm 816 and second arm 804 of the tubing clamp 706 pivot. Further,
in one embodiment, a spring is used to assure that when the tubing
clamp 706 is opened, and the first arm 816 and the second arm 804
swing away. In another embodiment, the wall itself of the tubing
clamp 706 provides sufficient force to cause a desired opening of
the first arm 816 and the second arm 804.
[0078] Further, in one embodiment, the second arm 804 is attached
to a hooked end 810. For example, in one embodiment, the second arm
804 and the hooked end 810 are a single piece. However, in another
embodiment, the combination of the second arm 804 and the hooked
end 810 to which the second arm 804 is attached is made of at least
two pieces that are manufactured to appear to be a single piece. Of
note, it should be appreciated that the first arm 816, the clamping
mechanism 802, the second arm 804 and the hooked end 810 may be a
single piece or multiple pieces attached to each other, or any
combination thereof.
[0079] Moreover, the first arm 816 and the second arm 804, in one
embodiment, are long, slender beams. However, it should be
appreciated that the shape and length of the first arm 816 and the
second arm 804 may be any shape and length such that the first arm
816 articulates with the holding notch 822 of the vacuum activated
catch 710, thereby holding it in place.
[0080] Additionally and as will be discussed below in more detail,
a first attachment portion 812 and a second attachment portion 806
of the vacuum activated catch 710 are coupled with the hook end 810
of the tubing clamp 706 such that a portion of the first arm of the
tubing clamp 706 may be held in place by one or more notches (such
as but not limited to holding notch 822) in the vacuum activated
catch 710. Of note, FIG. 8A also shows section AA, an end view of a
circular shaped deformable element 824, which is one example of a
vacuum activated catch 710. As seen, the circular shaped deformable
element 824 includes the holding notch 822. The arrow pointing from
the first attachment portion 812 to the circular shaped deformable
element 824 shows an attachment point at 826. This represents where
the first attachment portion 812 attaches to the vacuum activated
catch 710.
[0081] Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8A, the tubing clamp 706
includes the clamping mechanism 802 that holds closed the first
fluid line 704 while a second fluid 732 flows along the second
fluid line 714 from the second container 726. The first fluid line
704 delivers a flow of a first fluid. The direction 712 of the flow
of the second fluid 732 is from the second container 726 towards
the infusion pump 728. The tubing clamp 706 is in the closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0082] The second drip chamber 724 includes a sealable component
722 that seals closed an interior flow passage 708 within the
second drip chamber 724 when the second container 726 is empty (or
nearly empty [i.e. substantially empty]), thereby obstructing the
flow of the second fluid 732. In one embodiment, the sealable
component 722 is a ball float valve. The ball float valve includes
a ball 720 and a base 716, wherein when the second container 726 is
empty (or nearly empty [i.e. substantially empty]), the ball 720
sets within the base 716, thereby sealing the interior flow passage
708 within the second drip chamber 724, such that the ball 720
prevents whatever small amounts of fluid that are left, if any,
within the second drip chamber 724 and/or the second container 726
from flowing through to the second fluid line 714. Of note, there
can be some fluid left in the second container 726 since some bags
(e.g., second container 726) have `side lobes` where fluid may
sequester and thus not flow into the spike, the drip orifice, and
finally the drip chamber (e.g., second drip chamber 724). However,
the activation of the `sealable` element occurs when no further
fluid is entering the second drip chamber 724 while the pump draws
fluid out of it. This is true whether the `ball float` design, the
filter, or any other are employed.
[0083] For example and referring to FIG. 7, after the spike of the
second drip chamber 724 is placed in the second container 726,
fluid flows into the second drip chamber 724. The ball 720 has
buoyancy that causes it to float on the volume of fluid 718 that
fills a portion of the second drip chamber 724. When the second
container 726 is emptied (or nearly empty [i.e. substantially
empty]) and all (or nearly all) of the fluid has exited the second
drip chamber 724 through the interior flow passage 708 into the
second fluid line 714, the ball 720 sets into the base 716, thus
sealing the portion of the interior flow passage 708 within the
second drip chamber 724.
[0084] FIG. 9 shows a tubing clamp 706 coupled with a vacuum
activated catch 710, within a flow control system 900, in
accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 9 also shows the ball 720 set
into the base 716, as a result of the second container 726 being
empty (or nearly empty [i.e. substantially empty]), and/or the
infusion pump 728 drawing a vacuum through the second fluid line
714, thus pulling the ball 720 into the base 716.
[0085] Of note, the interior flow passage 708 is shown, in both
FIGS. 7 and 9, as a dotted line from and through the second drip
chamber 724 and the second fluid line 714. When the second
container 726 is emptied (or nearly emptied), there is no longer
any fluid and/or enough fluid to support a floating ball 720 such
that the interior flow passage 708 is kept open. The ball 720 then
sets in the base 716. The infusion pump 728, in operation, draws a
vacuum within the second fluid line 714 and away from the second
drip chamber 724. The displacement of the fluid by the pump creates
a negative pressure within the second fluid line 714, resulting in
the deformation of the vacuum activated catch 710. For example, the
vacuum activated catch 710 may pop inwards, releasing the first
attachment portion 812, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9, in response to
the negative transient pressure. Since the vacuum activated catch
710 is constructed of a movable element, the vacuum activated catch
710 has the ability to change shapes when receiving a pressure that
overcomes the material's inherent characteristics causing
stiffness. The inward deformation will cause a portion of the
tubing clamp 706 to be released, as will be explained herein. The
movable element may be, but is not limited to, any of the
following: a deformable membrane; a piston; a rolling hat seal; and
any structure capable of being displaced by the vacuum established
by the closure of the second fluid path and continued intake of
fluid by the infusion pump 728.
[0086] In another embodiment, the sealable component 722 is a
filter (not shown in the Figures). For example, but not limited to
such, in one embodiment the filter has a diameter of 0.22 micron.
The filter is placed in the base of the second drip chamber 724.
When air is on one side and fluid is on the other side of the
filter, a meniscus, having a bubble point pressure, is created. The
bubble point pressure blocks air from flowing through the filter.
The bubble point pressure increases in inverse proportion to the
filter's diaphragm diameter. In other words, the filter produces a
bubble point pressure that is sufficient to activate the movable
element, thereby releasing the vacuum activated catch 710 that is
closing the first tubing.
[0087] FIG. 8B shows a device 800B, the tubing clamp 706 (of FIG.
7) coupled with the vacuum activated catch 710. The tubing clamp
706 is in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the vacuum activated catch 710
includes a movable element that is coupled with the tubing clamp
706. The movable element changes from a first shape 808 to a second
shape 820 upon receipt of a deforming vacuum pressure. When the
movable element is in the first shape 808, the vacuum activated
catch 710 retains the tubing clamp 706 in a closed position. When
the movable element is in the second shape 820, the vacuum
activated catch 710 releases the tubing clamp 706 into an open
position, thereby allowing the flow of the first fluid 730 to
commence within the first fluid line 704.
[0088] In one embodiment, and as described herein, a portion of the
first arm 816 of the tubing clamp 706 is releasably secured by the
holding notch 822 of the vacuum activated catch 710. (Again, it
should be noted that the vacuum activated catch 710 may include
more than one holding notch 822.) For example, in one embodiment,
the movable element has a holding notch 822 for holding the first
arm 816 of the tubing clamp 706 in place. In one embodiment, the
movable element is of a shape that is capable of changing from a
first shape 808 to a second shape 820 (of FIG. 8B) upon applied
vacuum (a positive pressure) and/or force such that the first arm
816 of the tubing clamp 706 is released from the holding notch 822
of the vacuum activated catch 710, such as, but not limited to, a
cup shape, a disk shape, or a combination thereof.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 8A, it can be seen that in one embodiment,
when the movable element of the vacuum activated catch 710 is in a
first shape 808, the vacuum activated catch 710 secures closed the
first arm 816 of the tubing clamp 706 such that the first fluid
line 704 is pinched closed.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 8B, the tubing clamp 706 is in an open
position. In one embodiment, the movable element of the vacuum
activated catch 710 releases the first arm 816 of the tubing clamp
706 while the movable element is in the second shape 820, such that
the first fluid line 704 opens. It should be appreciated that the
second shape 820 of the movable element may be any shape that
allows the first arm 816 to be released from its secured position
such that the first fluid line 704 is then opened. The second shape
820 may be that shape which is different from the first shape 808,
such that the end of the first arm 816 can no longer be secured in
a closed position. For example, but not limited to such, if the
first shape is a bell curve, then the second shape 820 may be
flat.
[0091] The infusion pump 728 draws a vacuum in the second fluid
line 714, thereby creating the deforming force (the pressure is a
negative value) when the second container 726 is substantially
empty (i.e. empty or nearly empty). In one embodiment, the
deforming pressure is a negative pressure caused by the drawing of
the vacuum. More specifically, the infusion pump 728 withdraws
fluid from the blocked tubing, thereby drawing or producing a
vacuum. In one embodiment, the infusion pump 728 has a pressure
sensor.
[0092] Further, as can be seen, once the movable element pops in
and releases the first arm 816 of the tubing clamp 706, thus
opening the first fluid line 704, the first fluid 730 commences
flowing in the direction 902 from the first container 702 towards
the infusion pump 728. Since the first fluid level 734 is now
higher than fluid in the second container 726, the one-way check
valve 729 is forced closed so that only the fluid from the first
container 702 flows only to the infusion pump 728.
[0093] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, an embodiment of a device may
be described. In one embodiment, a device includes a tubing clamp
706 and a vacuum activated catch 710. The tubing clamp 706,
according to one embodiment, holds closed the first fluid line 704
while the second fluid 732 flows along a second fluid line 714 from
the second container 726, wherein the first fluid line 704 delivers
a flow of first fluid 730. The vacuum activated catch 710,
according to one embodiment, is coupled with the second fluid line
714 and is releasably secured as described herein, by the tubing
clamp 706. The term, "releasably secured", refers to the ability of
the tubing clamp 706 to release, as well as hold in place, a
portion of the vacuum activated catch 710. Upon receipt of a
deforming force, the catch 710 opens and allows the flow of the
first fluid 730 within the first fluid line 704. In one embodiment,
the deforming force is due to a vacuum caused by the infusion pump
728 that is coupled with the second fluid line 714, wherein the
infusion pump 728 draws a vacuum during operation by aspirating
fluid from the tubing.
[0094] In one embodiment, the tubing clamp 706 includes the
clamping mechanism 802 described herein. In yet another embodiment,
the vacuum activated catch 706 includes the movable element
described herein.
[0095] A further embodiment of the tubing clamp 706 of the example
device includes a first arm 816 and a second arm 804 coupled with
the first arm 816 via the connector 818, wherein the connector 818
is flexible.
[0096] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method 1000 for
manufacturing a device, in accordance with embodiments.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, at 1005 and as described
herein, in one embodiment, the method 1000 includes providing a
tubing clamp 706, wherein the tubing clamp 706 includes a clamping
mechanism 802 configured for holding closed a first fluid line 704
while the second fluid 732 flows along a second fluid line 714 from
a second container 726. The first fluid line 704 delivers a flow of
a first fluid 730. Further, in one embodiment, the providing 1005
of the tubing clamp 706 includes providing a first arm 816 and a
second arm 804 of the tubing clamp 706, and coupling the first arm
816 and the second arm 804 with the connector 818, wherein the
connector 818 is flexible.
[0098] At 1010 and as described herein, in one embodiment the
method 1000 includes coupling a vacuum activated catch 710 with the
tubing clamp 706, wherein the vacuum activated catch 710 includes a
movable element coupled with the tubing clamp 706 and configured
for changing from a first shape 808 to a second shape 820 upon
receipt of a deforming force. When the movable element is in the
first shape 808, the vacuum activated catch 710 retains the tubing
clamp 706 in a closed position. When the movable element is in the
second shape 820, the vacuum activated catch 710 releases the
tubing clamp 706 into an open position, thereby allowing the flow
of the first fluid 730 to commence within the first fluid line 704.
Further, in one embodiment, the coupling 1010 of the vacuum
activated catch 710 includes coupling a first attachment portion
812 and a second attachment portion 806 of the movable element with
a hooked end 810 of the second arm 804 of the tubing clamp 706.
[0099] At 1015 and as described herein, in one embodiment the
method 1000 includes disposing at least one latching element on the
movable element, such that the movable element is enabled to secure
the tubing clamp 706 in a closed position. For example and with
reference to FIG. 8A, the first shape 808 includes a concave
portion that receives an end of the first arm 816. The fitting
together of the concave portion and the end of the first arm 816
shows the function of the at least one latching element of the
first shape 808, that of the concave portion. In other words, areas
may be disposed on the movable element that are capable of
receiving one or more portions of the first arm 816 such that the
movable element secures and retains the first arm 816 in a position
that allows the first fluid line 704 to be and remain pinched
closed, until released.
[0100] Further, the vacuum activated catch 710 functions in a
bi-stable mode. That is, once it `switches` to the released
position, it no longer requires vacuum force to remain in that
position. Thus, as soon as the clamp opens, the vacuum disappears.
One embodiment provides a means for the operator to place the
vacuum operated catch 710 back into the latching position. For
example, but not limited to such example, a tab is used that
enables the vacuum activated catch 710 to be manually pulled out
and placed back into the latching position. In another embodiment,
a pushing element from within the fluid path is used, the pushing
element allowing the vacuum activated catch 710 to be placed back
into the latching position.
Section Three: an Example Drip Chamber Integrated within an Example
Flow Control System
[0101] Herein, various embodiments of a flow control system
integrated with a drip chamber are described. The description below
describes the integration of the example drip chamber discussed in
Section One above with the example flow control system discussed in
Section Two above.
[0102] FIG. 11 shows a tubing clamp 706 coupled with a vacuum
activated catch 710, within a flow control system 1100, in
accordance with an embodiment. In embodiments, the flow control
system 1100 includes: the tubing clamp 706; the vacuum activated
catch 710 retainably coupled with the tubing clamp 706 and the
second fluid line 714; the first drip chamber 206A (of FIG. 2)
coupled with and between the second container 726 and the second
fluid line 714; and the infusion pump 728 coupled with the first
and second fluid lines, 704 and 714, respectively. FIG. 11 further
shows, in accordance with various embodiments: the first container
702
[0103] In one embodiment, the first container 702 is a Primary
container, the first fluid line 704 is a Primary fluid line, the
first fluid 730 is a Primary fluid, the second container 726 is a
Secondary container, the first drip chamber 206A is a Secondary
drip chamber, the second fluid line 714 is a Secondary fluid line,
the second fluid 732 is a Secondary fluid, the first fluid level
734 is a Primary fluid level, the second fluid level 736 is a
Secondary fluid level, the first fluid flow is a Primary fluid
flow, and the second fluid flow is a Secondary fluid flow. Thus,
the descriptions herein, with regards to FIGS. 7-11, using the
terms "first" and "second" may be associated with the delivery of
Secondary medications, in one embodiment.
[0104] In one embodiment and as described herein, the tubing clamp
706 includes the clamping mechanism 802 (of FIGS. 8A and 8B) that
holds closed the first fluid line 704 while the second fluid 732
flows along the second fluid line 714 from the second container
726. The first fluid line 704 is coupled with the first container
702 and delivers a flow of the first fluid 730.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 3, the example drip chamber 206B (a
cross-sectional view of the example first drip chamber 206A)
includes in one embodiment and as described herein the following:
the first end 312 having an inlet 302; the second end 314 having an
outlet 316; a spike 208 integrally coupled with the first end 312;
a drip forming orifice 212 coupled with the spike 208; a check
valve 210 disposed between and coupled with the spike 208 and the
drip forming orifice 212; the enclosing wall 318 coupling the first
end 312 and the second end 314; and the sealable component 722 (of
FIG. 7).
[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 11, in one embodiment and as
described herein, the check valve 210 manages the fluid flowing
between the inlet 302 and the outlet 316 through the interior flow
passage 328 that extends at least through the spike 208. In one
embodiment, the enclosing wall 318 houses within at least the spike
208, the check valve 210 and the drip forming orifice 212. In one
embodiment and as described herein, the sealable component 722
(including the ball 720 and the base 716 that are intermittently
separated by the volume of fluid 718; see FIGS. 7 and 9) seals
closed the interior flow passage 328 within the drip chamber 206B
when the second container 726 is substantially empty, thereby
obstructing the flow of the second fluid 732.
[0107] The vacuum activated catch 710 includes a movable element
coupled with the tubing clamp 706, according to one embodiment and
as described herein. The movable element changes from a first shape
(e.g., first shape 808 of FIG. 8A) to a second shape (e.g., second
shape 820 of FIG. 8B) upon receipt of a deforming force, wherein
when the movable element is in the first shape, the vacuum
activated catch 710 retains the tubing clamp 706 in a closed
position. When the movable element is in the second shape, the
vacuum activated catch 710 releases the tubing clamp 706 in an open
position, thereby allowing the flow of the first fluid 730 to
commence within the first fluid line 704, according to one
embodiment.
[0108] In another embodiment and as described herein, the infusion
pump 728 draws a vacuum in the second fluid line 714, thereby
creating the deforming force when the second container 726 is
substantially empty.
[0109] The check valve 210 incorporated in the Secondary set
prevents the reverse flow of the Primary fluid (i.e., first fluid
730) into the Secondary container (i.e., the second container 726).
For example, the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the Primary
fluid line will be greater than that in the Secondary fluid line at
the moment the tubing clamp 706 opens on the Primary fluid line.
Additionally, the check valve 210 facilitates keeping the ball 720
from moving away from the base 716 (and thus re-opening), thereby
preventing the backward flow of the Primary fluid flow into an
empty Secondary container (i.e., second container 726). While
employing the sealable component 722 (including the ball 720 and
base 716) and without the check valve's 210 presence, an amount of
Primary fluid would flow backward into the Secondary container
through the opened sealable component 722, while still another
amount of Primary fluid would continue to flow to the infusion pump
728. However, this backflow into the Secondary container wouldn't
be safe in cases such as chemo delivery. It would be unsafe for
there to be any fluid in the Secondary container that once
contained the chemo.
[0110] Thus, the advantages of integrating the example first drip
chamber 206A (including the check valve 210) along the Secondary
pathway together with the tubing clamp 706 and the vacuum activated
catch 710 include at least saving costs, creating a safer
environment and the simplicity of its design that renders
significant benefits.
[0111] All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and
embodiments as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to
encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.
Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both
currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the
future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same
function, regardless of structure. The scope of embodiments,
therefore, is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown
and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of embodiments
are embodied by the appended claims.
* * * * *